If you’re planning to change the name on your passport in India, whether it’s due to marriage, legal reasons, or other personal circumstances, the process might initially seem complex but, with the proper information and guidance, it can be done easily. In this blog, we’ll explain the steps to change the name on your passport in India and outline the necessary documents, particularly for those looking to update their surname after marriage.
Common Reasons Name Change in Passport
There are various reasons to initiate a name change in passport in India.
- Women change their surname after marriage and must update their passports accordingly.
- After a divorce, many individuals choose to revert to their maiden names and remove previous spouse name or surname.
- Some people may intend to change their name because they don’t like it.
- Simple mistakes or wrong spellings of a name may necessitate correction.
Each situation has distinct documentation requirements like address proof, which we will discuss later in this guide.
Process for Changing Name in Passport in India
Both online and offline name-change procedures are explained below.
- To update your name in the Central Gazette, complete a name change affidavit. The affidavit should bear the current name, the new name, the reason for the change, and your address. The name change will be officially published in the Gazette after being processed.
- Next, you should publish ads in two local newspapers—one in English and one in your regional language—informing the public of your name change.
- Submit a re-issue passport application at a Passport Office. You can apply either online through the Passport Seva website by filling out Form No. II for Miscellaneous Services or by visiting a Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).
Application Process via the Official Passport Seva Portal
The most convenient way to apply for a name change is through the Passport Portal. This online application process allows you to:
- This name change in passport requires an account on the Passport Seva system.
- Fill out the application form for passport re-issue, selecting the option for “Change in Existing Personal Particulars.”
- Upload scanned copies of all the required documents, including self-attested photocopies of your current passport, proof of address, and supporting documents such as marriage certificates or affidavits on non-judicial stamp paper.
- Make the online payment using the secure SBI payment gateway or other accepted payment methods.
- Schedule an appointment at the nearest Passport Seva Kendra or Regional Passport Office (RPO) for biometric data collection and document verification.
Online Process to Change Name in Passport
- Submit your application to the Passport Seva website (PSK) online for these kinds of passport services.
- If you don’t have an account, create one on the official Passport Seva website.
- Log in to your account and pick the “Apply for New Passport or Fresh Passport/Re-issue of Passport” option.
- Complete the application form and specify the necessary changes in the “name change” section.
- Submit the application form and take note of the ARN (Application Reference Number).
- Visit the Passport Seva Kendra (PSK).
- Bring all of the relevant paperwork to the PSK or Passport Office.
- Your biometric information, pictures, and signatures will be captured at the centre.
- Verification & Processing
- After the document verification process, your request to change the name will be processed.
4. Receive a passport after the update.
- After your request has been processed, you will receive a passport with the updated name.
Documents Needed for Name Change on a Passport in India
The documents required will vary based on the reason for the name change. The following documents are a general list:
Required Documents for Passport Name Change
Depending on the reason for your name change, the following specific documents are typically required:
- Original Passport and self-attested photocopies of relevant pages, including the validity extension page, observation page (if any), and first and last pages.
- Sworn Affidavit on non-judicial stamp paper stating the change of name and the reason for it.
- Gazette Publication of the name change published in the official government gazette.
- Newspaper Advertisements in two newspapers (one in English and one in the regional language) announcing the name change.
- Valid Proof of Address, such as Aadhaar Card, Voter ID, utility bills, or bank passbook.
- Marriage Certificate Issued by the Registrar of Marriages (for name changes after marriage). This also includes remarriage.
- Divorce Decree or Death Certificate (if applicable, for name changes after divorce or remarriage). A certified copy of the divorce certificate or deed poll on a non-judicial stamp paper will be required.
- Other Supporting Documents, such as a Birth certificate or a school leaving certificate (especially for minor name changes).
For Name Change due to Marriage:
- Original Marriage Certificate
- Copy of the spouse’s passport (if applicable).
- An attested copy of the ID proofs with the updated name.
Surname Change in Passport in India After Divorce:
- Divorce decree (if reverting to maiden name by removing ex-husband’s name or surname).
- Gazette notification for the name change (if needed)
For General Name Change:
- Gazette Notification of India announcing the name change.
- Aadhaar card, PAN card, or other official ID mentioning the new name.
For Minor Name Change:
- Birth certificate.
- School leaving certificate with the correct spelling.
Updating Surname in Passport After Marriage in India
Changing your surname or name in the passport after marriage is one of India’s most frequent reasons for name updates. If you’ve recently married and wish to update your surname, you must provide additional documentation. Those are:
- Address proof (if changed after marriage)
- Proof of Marriage
- Spouse’s passport
- Self-attested copies of a Valid visa, pages of the old passport
Passport Name Update After Divorce in India
If you’ve gone through a divorce and wish to return to your maiden name, the process is easy. Submit the divorce decree, and a government gazette notification if the name change was legally registered. After applying re-issue for a name change in the PSK, a new passport with the updated name will be sent.
Police Verification and Background Verification
After submitting your application and attending the appointment at the PSK or RPO, a police verification process may be initiated. This is a standard procedure to verify your identity and the authenticity of the documents submitted. This verification is mandatory in many cases, especially if the passport has expired or if significant changes in particulars are involved.
Processing Time and Fees
The processing time for a passport name correction or change typically ranges from 3 to 4 weeks under normal circumstances. However, if you opt for Tatkal (urgent) service, the process can be expedited to 7 to 10 days with an additional fee.
The fees vary depending on the type of passport (ordinary passport with 36 or 60 pages) and whether you choose the Tatkal service:
- Rs. 1,500 for a 36-page passport- ordinary.
- Rs. 2,000 for a 60-page passport – ordinary.
- Additional Rs. 2,000 for Tatkal processing.
Important Tips for a Smooth Passport Name Change Process
- Always submit original documents for verification along with self-attested photocopies.
- Ensure that your application form reflects the new name consistently and accurately.
- Keep the application receipt or acknowledgment receipt and payment receipt safely, as they are required during your appointment and for tracking your application status.
- Track your application status online through the Passport portal using your Application Reference Number (ARN).
- Attend your appointment at the nearest Seva Kendra for Passport or Regional Passport Office (RPO) on the scheduled date for biometric data collection and document verification.
After Receiving Your Updated Passport
Once your application is approved and processed, you will receive your updated passport by mail at your registered address. It will reflect the new name as per your application. Be sure to check all the passport details carefully upon receipt, including your name, date of birth, and other personal particulars.
If you hold valid visas in your old passport, remember that you may need to reapply for visas using this passport as the name change could affect your existing travel documents.
Conclusion
Changing the name in your passport in India involves several important steps and adherence to specific guidelines set by the Passport Issuing Authority under the Ministry of External Affairs. Understanding these details can help you navigate the process smoothly and avoid common pitfalls.
By understanding the detailed steps, required documents, and important tips outlined in this guide, you can confidently navigate the passport name correction or change process in India. Whether your name change is due to marriage, divorce, personal preference, or correction of errors, following the official procedures through the Passport system ensures a hassle-free experience.
For any assistance or to simplify the process, feel free to reach out to Taxxinn. Our experts can guide you through each step, from preparing the affidavit on stamp paper to scheduling your appointment at the nearest Seva Kendra for Passport.
Changing your name in your passport is a significant update to your official identity documents. Take the necessary steps carefully, and soon you will have your updated Indian passport reflecting your new name, ready for your international travels and official purposes.
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